Establishing and Maintaining Credit in the U
Establishing and Maintaining Credit in the U.S.
Credit cards make life in the U.S. more convenient. So many things are made easier with credit cards: make plane and hotel reservations, purchasing things either in-store or over the telephone or internet. However, before you can get a credit card in the U.S., you will need to establish your credit history.
Establishing Credit
Establishing credit in the U.S. takes time. The problem is that everything in the U.S. seems to revolve around a person’s credit history. The ability to lease an apartment, buy a car or a home, get credit cards, etc. depend upon someone’s credit worthiness. For many people coming from other countries, the U.S. seems to have a strange way of determining whether or not someone is credit worthy. In most countries, the lack of debt is seen as a good indication that someone is financially responsible and worthy of credit. However, the U.S. seems to be built on a different model. In order to have good credit in the U.S., a person must have a history of incurring debt and paying it off on time.
Unfortunately, there is no quick way to establish good credit in the U.S. Typically someone must have at least three years of paying bills, loans, and financial obligations over time. Also, one must show they have the financial resources to cover their debt. Generally this is in the form of a steady income, but may be shown by having enough money in the bank for an extended period of time. Two of the biggest factors considered by most credit card companies and lenders is the length of time you have been in your present home and how long you may have been in your present job.
The following suggestions may help you establish your credit in the U.S.:
1. Consider applying for a credit card for a local store such as Hechts, a local department store. Choose a store where you would shop for everyday items (socks, clothing, household items). Charge the items, but then pay them off at the end of the month. Use these cards responsibly.
2. Talk to your bank about obtaining a secured credit card. Secured credit cards use your savings account or checking account at the bank as a way of covering the charges.
3. Join a gym. Oddly enough, paying the monthly dues for a membership to the gym can help you establish your credit.
4. Get a cell phone and pay the monthly charges indicated in your contract on time.
5. If you are going to purchase a car, consider financing the vehicle, even if you have enough money to pay for it. Put down a reasonable down payment and finance the rest. Make regular payments for a while and then pay it off. At the time you take out the loan, whether through your bank or through the car dealership, be sure to ask if there are any penalties for early pay offs.
6. If you are purchasing furniture, you may also be able to finance these through the store. Depending upon the merchant, the value of the furniture purchased your payments may be spread out over time. Follow the same guidelines as above.
7. Do not apply for too much credit too quickly. Each time you apply for credit, credit bureaus, which monitor and evaluate your credit worthiness, are notified. Too many notifications in a short period of time can be seen as someone who is using credit irresponsibly. In general, you don’t want more than one or two notifications in a month.
8. Don’t move around too much. This is one of the most important factors considered in extending credit.
Types of Credit
There are three primary types of credit accounts:
1. Revolving credit: this is typical of credit card accounts in which you can either pay off the entire amount at the end of the billing cycle or you can make partial payments. If you make partial payments, you will be charged interest on the outstanding balance.
2. Charge agreements: These are accounts in which you agree to pay off the entire amount due by the end of the month.
3. Installment accounts: these are agreements in which you agree to pay a fixed amount over a specific period of time. Automobile and furniture finance agreements usually fall under this category.
Credit is fine, if used responsibly and if payments are made on time. However, far too many American consumers have discovered the danger of credit. Late payments are reported to the three primary credit agencies. Late payments also result in the raising of interest rates on your outstanding balances. The higher rates of interest make it harder to pay off the amounts owed. Many find themselves in a downward financial spiral.
Debit Cards
While you are building your credit history, you may want to consider obtaining a check card or debit card from your bank. Debit cards take money directly out of your bank account. Although some debit cards have the logo of major credit cards on them, they are not credit cards. Debit cards facilitate transactions, but do nothing to help you build credit.
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